The recent scandal involving the British Museum highlights a pressing issue in the world of museum curation: the vulnerability of collections to internal theft. In March 2024, the British Museum filed a lawsuit against former curator Peter Higgs, alleging that he stole more than 1,800 items over a decade. This case underscores the need for stringent inventory processes to protect cultural heritage.
The British Museum Stolen Objects
The British Museum, announced in August 2023 that approximately 2,000 items were missing, stolen, or damaged. These items included ancient gems, gold jewelry, and other small artifacts that had not been on public display. The museum’s initial announcement did not name the suspect, but news reports soon identified Peter Higgs, a veteran curator of Greek and Roman art.
According to legal documents, Higgs is accused of abusing his position of trust, using fake names, false documents, and manipulation of museum records to hide his activities. Some of the stolen items were allegedly sold on eBay for as little as $51. Despite these serious allegations, Higgs has denied any wrongdoing and intends to dispute the museum’s legal claim.
The fallout from this scandal has been significant. It led to the immediate resignation of director Hartwig Fischer and deputy director Jonathan Williams. An independent review has called for tightened security and better collection records, while plans for a complete documentation of the museum’s collection within five years at a cost of $12.1 million are underway.
“The number one factor towards preventing museum thefts in the US is improved inventory management. I recommend that every museum conduct a comprehensive inventory at least once every four years.”
Tim Carpenter Managing Director of Argus Cultural Property Consultants and Former Head of FBI Art Crimes Division
Preventing Theft with Regular Inventories
The British Museum’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular inventories. As emphasized by the former head of the FBI art crimes division, conducting a full inventory every four years is crucial for safeguarding collections. Frequent inventories act as a deterrent to theft and ensure that any discrepancies are identified and addressed promptly.
At Museum Advocate, we understand the challenges faced by museums in managing their collections. That’s why we developed an AI cataloging tool that integrates seamlessly with our collection management system (CMS). Our tool empowers any museum staff or volunteer to complete a comprehensive inventory with greater ease compared to traditional methods. This proactive approach not only protects the integrity of the collection but also enhances transparency and accountability.
For museums already using a different CMS, our tool can act as a valuable supplement. We offer unlimited users at every pricing level, making it an ideal solution for institutions with varying staff numbers, such as student-affiliated museums.
The case of Peter Higgs and the British Museum is a cautionary tale for museums worldwide. By implementing regular inventory checks and utilizing advanced tools like our AI cataloging system, museums can better protect their invaluable collections from theft and mismanagement.
For more information on how our AI cataloging tool can benefit your institution, visit Free Inventory Assessment.
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